For the 1958 model year, the first generation Chevy Corvette received its second major facelift. The trunk grew two chrome trim pieces that ran vertically from the soft top deck to the rear bumpers, the heavy chrome teeth in the grille numbered nine, down from the previous year’s thirteen, and the side coves had slash cut dummy vents with horizontal chrome spears, with cross-flag emblems just behind the front fenders. The hood had simulated vents that would come to be known as the “washboard”, and there were two horizontally arranged headlights per side.
Inside the 1958 Chevy Corvette was also revamped. Directly in front of the driver, positioned immediately above the steering column, was a large radius 160 mph speedometer. The tachometer had been relocated to the bottom center of the speedo, as opposed to its dash location the previous year. Other gauges that had previously been located in the center of the dash were now arrayed on either side of the steering column. On the passenger side of the dash was a grab bar with a brushed metal crescent featuring CORVETTE script just forward of the bar. The following year a parcel tray would be added beneath the grab bar. 1958 was the first year seat belts were factory installed.
The 1958 Chevy Corvette was available with a number of powertrain options. All engines displaced 283 cubic inches, though power output ranged from 230 to 290 horsepower. The base 230 horsepower engine came with a single four-barrel Carter carburetor and painted valve covers. Power was moved to the back wheels by a three-speed manual transmission, though an optional four-speed manual or two-speed Powerglide automatic could be had. Optional carbureted engines were available in 245 or 270 horsepower ratings, both fed by dual carb setups. Two engine options could be had with Rochester mechanical fuel injection, rated at either 250 or 290 horsepower. All of the optional engines were dressed with finned aluminum valve covers. The 270 and 290 horsepower engine options required manual transmissions.
Our feature 1958 Chevy Corvette is a spectacular, award-winning example. It has been the subject of a painstaking restoration, resulting in two Bloomington Gold Certifications, both times with scores in excess of 99 percent, multiple National Corvette Restorers Society Top Flight Awards, an NCRS Performance Verification and Duntov Mark of Excellence Award. It is finished in rare Inca Silver over red vinyl with a black vinyl soft top, one of only 157 with this combo. Under the hood resides the matching numbers 283, fed by Rochester mechanical fuel injection, producing 290 horsepower.
Backing the fuelie is the matching T10 four-speed manual transmission. Optional equipment includes a signal-seeking Wonderbar AM radio, off-road exhaust, windshield washers, a heater, and wide whitewall bias-ply tires. Other factory components present include the owner’s manual, sale brochure, spare, jack, tools, trunk liner and mat, and seatbelts. Included in the sale are NCRS certificates and judging sheets, Bloomington Gold certificates and judging sheets, and three large binders of restoration documents.
This remarkable 1958 Chevy Corvette will cross the Mecum Auctions block at their Kissimmee, Florida event taking place January 4th through the 15th.
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